If you're watching TV and the channel suddenly changes, you may not have sat on the remote control by accident.

Researchers with the security consultancy ReVuln in Malta have found a vulnerability present in most TVs made by Samsung Electronics that could allow an attacker to install malicious software, turn on its webcam and even change the channel from afar.

In a video titled "The TV is Watching You," ReVuln shows the screen of an unspecified Samsung LED 3D model with a vulnerability that is exploited by the researchers giving them "root" access to the TV, or total control.

"If the attacker has full control of the TV...then he can do everything like stealing accounts to the worst scenario of using the integrated webcam and microphone to 'watch' the victim," said Luigi Auriemma of ReVuln via email. "The vulnerability affects multiple models and generations of the devices produced by this vendor, so not just a specific model as tested in our lab at ReVuln."

Some call it paranoia but this is why I have tape over my webcam and microphone on my £2000 laptop.

Samsung TV vulnerability could let a hacker change the channel

When I come to replace my TV, I will refuse point blank to buy one with a built in camera. No amount of waving like a mental case to change channels will convince me to buy one.

I have a shield over my iMac cameras for the same reason. Great minds think alike.

Has there ever been an instance of a built in cam being exploited to spy on the user without their knowledge?

Has there ever been an instance of a built in cam being exploited to spy on the user without their knowledge?

Has there ever been an instance of a built in cam being exploited to spy on the user without their knowledge?

The shirt I planned to wear to this year's Xmas party is the same one I wore last year.